Henry Appleby has an appetite for life. As a recent high school graduate and the son of a wealthy family in one of Chicago’s affluent North Shore suburbs, his life is laid out for him. Unfortunately, though, he’s being forced to follow in the footsteps of his successful attorney father instead of living his dream of being a chef. When an opportunity comes his way to work in a real kitchen the summer after graduation, at a little Italian joint called Fiorello’s, Henry jumps at the chance, putting his future in jeopardy.<br><br>Years ago, life was a plentiful buffet for Vito Carelli. But a tragic turn of events now keeps the young chef at Fiorello’s quiet and secretive, preferring to let his amazing Italian peasant cuisine do his talking.<br><br>When the two cooks meet over an open flame, sparks fly. Both need a taste of something more -- something real, something true -- to separate the good from the bad and find the love -- and the hope -- that just might be their salvation.

Dinner at Fiorello's

Vito’s hand on his shoulder forced him back. “I know it’s hard to hear this now. But there ishope—for you too. And for them.” Vito took a breath and said, “Family is everything. Be patient. Be there. Wait.Love.”


“Yeah, but your family loved you. They didn’t love some idea—”


Vito cut him off before he could say any more. “For one, my family of origin, the one I grew up with, wasn’t always crazy about me being gay. When my mom first found out, she went to church and lit a candle, praying the gay would be ‘ripped out of me.’” Vito flopped Henry’s penis from one side to the other. “We both know how well that worked out. My point is, people change. It sounds like your mom has her own issues. You need to remember that our parents are people too. They don’t exist solely as parents, you know? And your dad? I think he’ll come around. He loves you.”


Chapter 82